Removable boxing tape

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a length or roll of tape that has been designed to be easily removed. The tape has a substrate or film on which two opposingly located adhesive sections are formed. A non-adhesive section is also located on the substrate between the adhesive sections. The non-adhesive section forms a graspable handle at one end of the substrate which makes the tape easier to remove. The invention may also comprise a single adhesive and non-adhesive section which forms a graspable handle. In addition, the non-adhesive section may be substituted with a low strength adhesive section as well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a tape used generally for sealingand/or creating cartons such as corrugated boxes. More specifically, thepresent invention concerns a tape which has an area devoid of adhesiveor has coated thereon a releaseable adhesive. Configuring the tape inthis manner forms a handle or graspable section which diminishes thedifficulty in removing the tape. This, in turn, makes it easier to openthe container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Corrugated boxes and the like have long been made and/or sealedwith tape. By its very design, the tape is intended to strongly adhereto the container so as to prevent inadvertent opening of the containerduring handling, shipping, storage and the like. This, in turn, makes itdifficult to remove the tape when desired. Box cutters and the like areoften used to cut the tape in order to open the carton. The use of asharp object leads to other problems such as potential injury or damageto the contents of the container. Thus, there is a need for a tape thatcan satisfy the two competing needs of providing a strong seal whilestill being easily removed.

[0003] The present invention solves the above mentioned problems. Itprovides an effective seal by having an adhesive backing. It is alsoeasily removed because a non-adhesive area is also provided which formsa tab, handle or graspable section which may be easily grasped so as topermit the tape to be pulled off of the container.

[0004] In another embodiment, a releaseable adhesive which has a loweradhesive strength than the other adhesive is used with the tape. Thetab, handle or graspable section is adhered to the carton by the weakeradhesive so as to create a handle which is easily grasped so as topermit the tape to be pulled off of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] These and other features, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description anddrawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements inseveral views, and in which:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of thepresent invention applied to a carton.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tape making machinethat may be used to create the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 illustrating how a graspable handle may be formed by the presentinvention.

[0009]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 illustrating how the graspable handle is used to remove the tape.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment shown FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 6 illustrates how a grapable handle maybe formed inaccordance with the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 8 illustrates how a grapable handle maybe formed inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0014]FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0015]FIG. 10 illustrates how a grapable handle maybe formed inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

[0016]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG.1.

[0017]FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0018]FIG. 13 illustrates how a grapable handle maybe formed inaccordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Set forth below is a description of what are currently believedto be the preferred embodiments or best examples of the inventionclaimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to thepreferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternates or modificationsin which insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure orin result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present comprises asection of tape 11 which has been adhered to carton 47. Tape 11 isformed by cutting one end of a roll of tape stock into a particularshape with a tape making machine 190 the design of which is well knownto those of skill in the art and is shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] Tape 11 is cut to have a first end 13 and an opposing second end15. End 13 terminates in an extended area 18 that forms the tab, handleor graspable section of tape 11 as is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. On tape11, adhesive is applied to areas 12 and 14 and, in a preferredembodiment, area 16 is free of adhesive. Alternately, adhesive may beapplied to area 16, but when done, to achieve the objects of the presentinvention, it is weaker in strength than the adhesive used on areas 12and 14.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the tab, handle orgraspable section 18 is formed by a non-adhesive area which extends pastor beyond the adhesive on tape 11. Since, this area is free fromadhesive, it is easily positioned and grasped by a user. As isillustrated in FIG. 4, once handle 18 is grasped, a user may then firmlygrip tape 11 and pull the tape off of a carton. This reduces the need tocut the tape in order to remove it.

[0023] While the preferred embodiment is shown as forming a point 18 asthe handle or tab, other shapes may be used as well so as to provide anadhesive free area or weakened adhesive area. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention. As shown,two adhesive sections 22 and 24 are provided on tape 20. Non-adhesivesection 26 forms tab, handle or graspable section 28. As shown in FIG.8, handle 28 is first lifted to facilitate the removal of tape section20.

[0024]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, adhesive sections 32 and 34 are providedon tape 30. Non-adhesive section 36 forms handle 38. As was describedabove, section 36 may include a low strength adhesive as well. FIG. 10shows how handle 38 maybe first lifted so as to remove tape 30.

[0025]FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, adhesive section 52 is provided on tape53. Non-adhesive section 58 extends beyond the adhesive so as to form ahandle 60. As was described above, section 58 may include a low strengthadhesive as well. FIG. 13 shows how handle 60 maybe first lifted so asto remove tape 53.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 11, a typical tape length 140 made in accordancewith the present invention will generally include a substrate 141.Substrate 141 may be comprised of a flexible material such as paper,plastic, and other films known to those of skill in the art. As alsoshown, in a preferred embodiment, one side of substrate 141 includesopposingly located adhesive sections 142 and 143 with a non-adhesivesection 144 located between sections 142 and 143.

[0027] As is shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 13 the tape sections may beformed as discreet or individual units or sections. Alternately, asshown in FIGS. 5, 7, 9, and 12, the tape used with the present inventionmay also be formed as sections or units which are part of a larger rollstock the formation of which is well known to those of skill in the art.

[0028]FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional tape making machine 190 that maybe used to create a length of tape. The tape making machine may eitherbe hand operated or automatic. The design of such machines is well knownto those of skill in the art. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the machine190 should include a die 100 that is in the shape of the cut to be madeacross the tape so as to form an area that extends beyond the adhesivearea on the tape. As is further illustrated in FIG. 5, two cuts 102 and104, which are pointed or angled in configuration, are used to form acomplete section of tape 11. Cut 102 forms both the beginning end 13 oftape 11 and the end of the previous tape section. Cut 104 forms end 15of tape 11 and the beginning of the next tape length.

[0029] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-9 are created in a similarmanner. As shown in FIG. 7, a notched cut 110 may be used to form thetape lengths. FIG. 9 illustrates that a curved cut 112 may be used aswell. Of course, other cut shapes may be used as well so long as anon-adhesive section is formed which extends past the adhesive sectionso as to form a handle.

[0030] In use and as was briefly described above, when a user desires toremove tape 11, the tape is easily removed by grasping section 18 whichis easily lifted since it either has no adhesive or a weak adhesiveholding it to the container. Once a user gets a purchase on the tape,the tape may easily pulled off of the container. Moreover, since distalends 17 and 19 have adhesive thereon, they will not fray during use. Theembodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10 are used in a similar manner.

[0031] With respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-13, thatedge 58 has no adhesive thereon or has had a weaker adhesive appliedthereto also allows edge 58 to act as the tab, handle, or graspablesection. This allows a user uses to get a purchase point on the tape ateither end of the tape as well as along the side of the tape. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the graspable section is easilylocated on the container rather than situated on one particular end.

[0032] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen illustrated and described, it will be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art that changes and other modifications can bemade without departing from the invention in its broader aspects.Various features of the present invention are set forth in the followingclaims.

1.-4. (Cancelled)
 5. A length of tape comprising: a substrate; twoadhesive sections extending longitudinally along one side of thesubstrate; a low or nonadhesive section located between the adhesivesections and extending longitudinally along the one side of thesubstrate; and the low or nonadhesive section extending longitudinallyat an end of the substrate beyond the adhesive sections to form agraspable handle.
 6. The length of tape of claim 5 wherein the low ornonadhesive section has less adhesive strength to an adjoining surfacethan either of the two adhesive sections.
 7. The length of tape of claim5 wherein the two adhesive sections have differing adhesive strength toan adjoining surface.
 8. The length of tape of claim 5 wherein saidextending end of the low or nonadhesive section is generally triangular.9. The length of tape of claim 5 wherein said extending end of the lowor nonadhesive section is generally rectangular.
 10. The length of tapeof claim 5 wherein said extending end of the low or nonadhesive sectionis generally semicircular.
 11. A length of tape comprising; a substrate;two adhesive sections extending longitudinally along one side of thesubstrate and spaced to provide a central non-adhesive section extendingalong the one side of the substrate; the non-adhesive section extendingbeyond the adhesive sections at an end of the length of tape to therebyform a graspable handle.
 12. A length of tape comprising: a substratehaving an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side; two opposingly-locatedadhesive sections on said adhesive side of said substrate; anon-adhesive section located on said substrate between said adhesivesections; and a graspable handle formed at one end of said non-adhesivesection of said substrate.
 13. The length of tape according to claim 12,wherein said graspable handle comprises a cut shape that extends beyondsaid two opposingly-located adhesive sections.
 14. A length of tapecomprising: a substrate having an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side;two opposingly-located first and second adhesive sections on saidadhesive side of said substrate; a third adhesive section located onsaid adhesive side of said substrate between said first and secondadhesive sections, said third adhesive section is weaker in strengththan said first and second adhesive sections; and a graspable handleformed at one end of said third adhesive section.
 15. The length of tapeaccording to claim 14, wherein said graspable handle comprises a cutshape that extends beyond said two opposingly-located first and secondadhesive sections.
 16. A length of tape comprising: a substrate havingan adhesive side and a non-adhesive side on an opposite surface of saidsubstrate from said adhesive side; at least one adhesive section on saidadhesive side of said substrate; and a non-adhesive section located onsaid adhesive side of said substrate, which forms a graspable handle.17. The length of tape according to claim 16, wherein said graspablehandle comprises a cut shape that extends beyond said at least oneadhesive section.
 18. A length of tape comprising: a substrate having anadhesive side and a non-adhesive side; and first and second adhesivesections on said adhesive side of said substrate, said first adhesivesection having a higher adhesive strength than said second adhesivesection, and said second adhesive section forming a graspable handle.19. The length of tape according to claim 18, wherein said graspablehandle comprises a cut shape that extends beyond said first and secondadhesive sections.
 20. A length of tape comprising: a substratecomprising a plurality of individual tape units, each tape unit havingan adhesive side and a non-adhesive side; an adhesive section on saidadhesive side of each individual tape unit and a non-adhesive sectionlocated on said adhesive side; and a graspable handle formed at one endof said non-adhesive section of each individual tape unit.
 21. Thelength of tape according to claim 20, wherein said graspable handlecomprises a cut shape that extends beyond said adhesive section.
 22. Thelength of tape of claim 20, wherein said adhesive section comprises twoopposingly located adhesive sections.
 23. The length of tape of claim20, wherein said adhesive section comprises two opposingly-located firstand second adhesive sections and a third adhesive section locatedbetween said two opposingly-located adhesive sections.